Contents of the BU.DOC file

BACKUP

Version 1.00

GENERAL

BACKUP is a simple, fast, intelligent file backup program for computers using MS-DOS or PC-DOS, version 2.0 or later. It backs up only files which don't exist on the target drive, or whose date-time stamps are later than that of an existing target file. (A date-time stamp tells when a file was created or last changed; it appears when you give a DIR command.) BACKUP does not use or change file archive bits. To run BACKUP, enter:

BU source[...] target [/G[S]]

The 'source' argument is the specification of files to back up. Wild cards are allowed, and you can repeat the source argument as many times as you like. The 'target' argument is the path to back up files to. To back up files with the source file specification globally across your entire source drive, add '/G.' To back them up only in the current and subordinate directories, add '/GS.' Command arguments may be upper or lower case.

BACKUP squeezes the maximum possible number of files onto the target drive. If the target is short on room, some files may not be copied, but the program will continue, hoping to find smaller files that WILL fit.

As BACKUP runs, it shows the files it's processing and whether or not it backs them up. To abort the program while it's running, press ^C (hold down Ctrl and press C).

EXAMPLES

BU *.C D: /G

This command backs up all files in the current directory with an extension of 'C' to drive D:

BU *.C B: /GS

This command backs up all files in the current and subordinate directories with an extension of 'C' to drive B:

BU *.C *.H SAMPLE.* A:

This command backs up all files in the current directory with extensions of 'C' or 'H', or a root name of 'SAMPLE,' to drive A:

MESSAGES

In the following messages, "source" is the file you're copying FROM, and target is the file (or drive) you're copying TO.

Aborted at your request. You pressed ^C, so the program stopped. Some, none, or all of the specified files may have been copied bo the target drive.

Invalid target drive. Check the last argument (or next to last, if you used /G).

Not enough room. There is still space on the target drive, but not enough for the file in question. The program will continue in case there are smaller files that will fit in the available space.

Target full. You can't back up anything else until you delete some files from the target drive (or use a different target disk).

Target is read only. If you have the DOS ATTRIB program, use it to set the target file's flags so BACKUP can update it. Otherwise, see your local computer expert to get a utility program that will do this.

Target still current. The target file's date-time stamp is the same as or later than the source file's.

EXIT CODES

BACKUP reports the following exit codes to DOS. You can use these with the ERRORLEVEL function in batch files.

0 No files were backed up (either there were none to do or an error occurred) 1 At least some files were backed up 2 Operator aborted

CREDITS

BACKUP is a shareware program written in Microsoft C by Richard W. Adams. It is copyright 1989 by Richard W. Adams. You may copy and distribute BACKUP freely, as long as you charge no fee other than a nominal one to cover distribution costs. If you like and use BACKUP, a contribution would be appreciated (suggestion: $10.00). Your contributions give shareware authors the incentive to develop new programs and improve old ones. Please send any contributions or comments on BACKUP to: